Trial of the effects of an advice and relaxation tape given within the first 24 h of admission to hospital with acute myocardial infarction

Background: The study was performed to examine the effects of giving patients with acute myocardial infarction an advice and relaxation audio tape within 24 h of admission to hospital. Methods: A prospective, two-group design was used with 243 subjects randomised to receive either the advice and relaxation tape or a music tape of their choice within 24 h of sustaining a myocardial infarction. Outcomes comprised anxiety, cardiac misconceptions, lifestyle change, attendance at a cardiac rehabilitation programme, and quality of life. Results: Although the advice and relaxation tape reduced the number of cardiac misconceptions this did not lead to any improvements in outcome, whilst in hospital or at 6 months. Both tapes were equally appreciated by the patients, 98% of whom said that they would recommend them to other patients. Conclusions: An advice and relaxation tape reduces cardiac misconceptions but does not confer any other benefits over a music tape.